Import of proteins into chloroplasts is differentially regulated by age

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

New research has found that the transport of proteins into chloroplasts in plants is differentially regulated by the age of the chloroplast; upturning the previously accepted notion that this process is age-independent or only globally up- or down- regulated for all proteins. The research, led by Dr. Hsou-min Li, a Research Fellow from the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica of Taiwan, is published October 30 in the open access journal PLOS Biology.

It's long been known that gene expression changes with age, for example, some genes are expressed in young organisms, others in aged organisms. However, up until now, it has been generally believed that the protein-transport processes that take place inside a cell occur independently of the cell's age.

Dr. Li and colleagues investigated pea leaves of different ages and discovered that proteins imported into chloroplasts?the organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs?can be divided into three groups: one group prefers to be imported into very young chloroplasts, the second group has no special preference, and the third group prefer to be imported into older chloroplasts.

"Age-dependent regulation at the protein transport level had not been thoroughly investigated due to technical difficulties," Dr Li explained. "Pea seedlings offer an excellent model for such studies because each plant has leaves of different ages on a single stem and they are cheap to grow. Other scientists have taken advantage of this but at that time, they only had a very limited number of proteins to test. Now with data from genomic and proteomic analyses, we can test a lot more proteins and can show not only that the regulation exists, but also that every protein can be regulated differently."

After finding this novel regulation, Dr Li's group then attempted to find the signal that controls age selectivity. They found that, for each protein, the age-selective signal is located within the signal peptide that controls organelle import. They also identified a signal-peptide motif that is necessary for targeting proteins to older chloroplasts.

"We knew that signal peptides specify the organelle a protein is supposed to be targeted to, acting like address labels," said Dr Li. "When we found that they also contain the information for the age selectivity we observed, we decided to try to identify the "code" that instructs a protein to go to older chloroplasts first. The existence of such a code means that chloroplast signal peptides are not just address labels - they also contain information about "when" a protein should be delivered."

These findings may have implications for selectively targeting proteins into organelles of aging tissues, said Dr Li. "We believe similar kinds of regulation mechanisms may also exist for other organelles in other organisms, like humans. For example, there may be signal peptide motifs that will allow us to specifically target therapeutic proteins into mitochondria in aging cardiac tissues."

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Citation: Teng Y-S, Chan P-T, Li H-m (2012) Differential Age-Dependent Import Regulation by Signal Peptides. PLoS Biol 10(10): e1001416. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1001416

Public Library of Science: http://www.plos.org

Thanks to Public Library of Science for this article.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/124937/Import_of_proteins_into_chloroplasts_is_differentially_regulated_by_age

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Parents and Expectant Parents Discuss Polyamory, Open ...

Discussions pop up everywhere about topics like polyamory and open relationships. (As a reminder, "open relationships" and "polyamory" are not synonyms.) Discussions tend to help, as the more people talk, the more we see there is a diversity of needs when it comes to relationships and sexuality, and that polyamorous people or people in open relationships are not bad people or people nobody knows. They are quite often great people, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual, who live next door in harmony with monogamists. An example is this poll and discussion at baby-gaga.com initiated by Abbey & Ethan. Here are some highlights...

That's what I have always wanted but DH doesn't agree. Yeah. I didn't put much thought into that part of things when I decided to marry DH.

I've always been a very monogamous person and I don't think I could actually be in a relationship with another person.

However, lately I've been wondering about other things, like threesomes. I love my husband but I miss sleeping with women. I can live without dating and being in a relationship with a woman, my husband is quite fulfilling in that, but I miss the sex. I'm afraid it would somehow harm our relationship, though.

For the people I know, it's often just sex. But there are a lot of instances where the intimacy level is brought to it's max (a max often beyond that of a monogamous relationship) with certain practices.

Mama to William + 1 added...

DH would be fine with it, it's me that has reservations. I'm not afraid that I'll become emotionally attached to the woman, it's more that I like the way my relationship is with DH and I'm afraid that having sex with someone else would alter it in a negative way.

My sexuality is a little complicated. I'm not bisexual - I don't like men enough for me to feel like the term applies. I love my husband, but beyond that I have no interest in men at all. Besides for him everyone that I've ever dated, smurfed, been attracted to, etc. has been female.

Asked why she married a man, she replied...

I don't know. He was my best friend and I fell in love with him. We started dating and I made it very clear at the beginning that I made no promises because at the time I wasn't sure if I'd be happy to have sex with him. But it worked out wonderfully and we seem happier than most couples I know. I'm by no means unhappy with him now, even though I can't explain why he was/is such a major exception, but sometimes I miss the sex.

It is a weird thing and it's pretty impossible to explain, but it is what it is.

One*day*at*a*time...

I don't think I could do it. I would feel left out and cheated out of part of him (DH). I want 100% of him. I give him 100% of me so I expect that back. Now could we share a woman in our relationship? Yes and we have before but it was mutual, shared and never on our own. She was a part of "our" relationship not something separate on the side On a side note though DH could never share me with another man (he's told me) so it's kind of a double standard. Although it doesn't bother me because I have no desire to be with another man. Even if he was involved. I can't really say for sure that I would involve another woman again. Even though it worked before and was mostly about sex it just seems like trying again with someone else may be pressing our luck. It might not work out so well with another woman. It ended because she met someone else and is now engaged. I think part of why it worked is because her and I had been best friends since 3rd grade, when she met DH we all became friends. She never hit on him and he never did her. We were just friends. then we got adventurous.

These are not "other" people. These are the people you live next to, work with, and are probably in your family. These people especially are the people you see pushing baby carriages. Isn't it ridiculous to perpetuate stigmas and discrimination against people who aren't monogamous?

Source: http://marriage-equality.blogspot.com/2012/10/parents-and-expectant-parents-discuss.html

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Review: Mighty iPad Mini looks like a holiday hit

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Apple's iPad Mini will bring a lot more excitement and a little more confusion to the holiday shopping season.

It only takes a few minutes playing with the iPad Mini to realize the scaled-down tablet computer will be a sure-fire hit with longtime Apple disciples and potential converts who've been looking for a more affordable entree into the mobile computing market.

With a 7.9-inch screen, the iPad Mini is perfectly sized to be stuffed in Christmas stockings. Recipients who will discover the pleasure and convenience of being able to take pictures, surf the Web, watch video, read books and listen to music on an exquisitely designed device that's pancake thin.

As enticing as that all sounds, the iPad Mini also causes a dilemma, albeit a pleasant one.

The new option will make it even more difficult for holiday shoppers to figure out which mobile device to buy for their loved ones ?or for themselves.

I felt the pangs of indecision within a few minutes of picking up the iPad Mini for the first time.

As the company usually does at its product unveilings, Apple Inc. only provided reporters with limited, strictly supervised access to the iPad Mini on Tuesday. That meant I could only experiment with it for about 15 minutes, but as an experienced user of the iPad 2, I could quickly see that the smaller tablet does just about everything its bigger brethren does.

Even though the Mini's screen is 1.8 inches smaller than the standard iPad, the movie "The Avengers" looked lush, even in a side-by-side comparison with the larger tablet. When I pulled up the latest issue of the New Yorker, I didn't have to strain to see the text or pictures on the smaller screen. A quick check of other websites verified that the Mini's screen isn't so tiny that it's going to cause a lot of squinting. After I took a very crisp picture of another reporter testing out a Mini, I decided to email it to her to test how easy it was to use the keyboard on the smaller screen. No problem there. Best of all, the iPad Mini can be held in one hand and is about half the weight of the larger iPad.

The Mini worked so much like my standard iPad that it immediately caused me to have second thoughts about a decision I thought I had already made. I like my iPad 2 a lot, but it's just too big to carry with me wherever I am. But there have been times I really wish I had it with me, like when I spot something that would make a great picture or when I've needed to check something on the Web. For various reasons, I didn't want a smartphone that would require a data plan, so I had my mind set on buying the latest iPod Touch, which has an iPhone-size screen and superb camera.

Now, the iPad Mini has me vacillating. Apple isn't making it easier with its pricing strategy. The latest iPod Touch with 32 gigabytes sells for $299. An iPad Mini with 16 gigabytes of storage sells for $329. I'm tempted.

Like others who will no doubt be weighing the same decision, I'll have to make up my mind. Do I want something that can fit in my one of pant pockets like the Touch? For starters, it comes in more colors than the black-or-white Mini and offers more storage capacity for a cheaper price.

Or do I want to pay a little more for another tablet computer that can slip into a coat pocket and offer a richer experience with a screen nearly two times larger than the new Touch?

The iPad Mini is so mighty that I can't believe the iPad 2 will be on the market too much longer. The iPad 2's $399 price now looks like too much, given that the iPad Mini can do just about everything it does on a slightly smaller screen. The iPad 2 still may have some appeal for people who want a larger tablet at a lower price the newest iPads, but I can't see too many consumers buying Apple's second-generation tablet now that the Mini is available.

Consumers who aren't set on buying one of Apple's devices will have even more choices to make. The iPad Mini is clearly aimed at siphoning sales away from the Nexus 7 tablet that Google Inc. began selling four months ago and the longer-established Kindle Fire from Amazon.com Inc. Figuring out which one is best-suited for you (or that special someone on your shopping list) will likely come down to weighing price against performance.

Amazon is sells a Kindle Fire HD with 16 gigabytes of storage and 7-inch screen for $199 and a similarly sized Nexus 7 goes for $249. That means an iPad Mini will cost $80 to $130 more, a price that Apple believes is justified because it boasts more features, such as front and back cameras. The Mini's reliance on aluminum instead of plastic for its exterior also makes it look more stylish and more enjoyable to hold.

If the speculation on technology blogs pans out, Google might make things even more interesting ? and dizzying for holiday shoppers ? by introducing a $99 version of the Nexus 7 in the coming weeks.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/review-mighty-ipad-mini-looks-040919523.html

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Roleplayers Wanted: The City of Fallen Angels

If the title and tags were enough to convince you, http://www.roleplaygateway.com/roleplay/the-city-of-fallen-angels/
Dear, (Subject name here)
I regret to inform you that your parents were killed yesterday. Because you are young and have no other relatives in the area, you must report to the orphanage on the south side of the city until you are of the age to become an apprentice. I wish you luck and am terribly sorry about the situation. A city guard will be sent tomorrow to escort you.
Best wishes, Guard Captain Marcus.

Welcome to Myrdin, the City of Fallen Angels, a crime-filled city nestled in the Rowak Mountains. You are an apprentice to one of six choices. Your master/mentor will teach you everything they know and will usually send you on missions to help rid the town of crime. In the event of your mentor's death, you will take over for them and continue your studies.

Today is the day of your choice to become an apprentice.
Several adults walk in and everyone of age is gathered. Your choices of mentors are:
The town wizard Habyr, a man who can cast magics beyond your wildest dreams, and even the ones within your wildest dreams.

The summoner, Latniel. A summoner can summon creatures or transform himself, and Latniel isn't the guildmaster just because he's the oldest. He is the only summoner who can currently summon Barimel, Lord of the Dragons, and turn into a dragon. No, he doesn't do children's parties.

The guard captain, Marcus. The night is filled with evildoers, and Marcus and his crew are hellbent on stopping them. It doesn't work, though.

The leader of the rangers, Naceh. The Rangers are the city's wardens, making sure that the forests remain free of poaching, and use their incredible skill with the bow and arrow to make sure of it. Naceh's watchful eye lets none escape his sight. They also handle bringing in game for selling at the market.

The assassin, Utosah. The assassins are a prideful guild, that specializes in the art of maintaining the REAL peace around the city, laying low any who might wish harm to the city and it's inhabitants. Utosah's word is law in this guild, his blade the ultimate decision. You could say he... gets to the point.

The head wyvern rider, Jessa. The Wyvern Riders are a proud, brave bunch, willing to dive in whenever needed. Their leader, Jessa, is the only female leader, but don't let her gender fool you, she can put you into the ground on or off her wyvern. A dragon both on and off the field.

The thief, Olssan. Nobody knows how the thieves got themselves a guild, but the main theory is that the king lost a game of dice. Olssan just is their main rep. Watch your belongings around the thieves.

You may take the skills of two different masters or stick with one. The wyvern riders, however, must only be wyvern riders, due to the dedication needed.

You can be as far past the day of choosing as you wish.

A quick explanation of magic for mages: Magic is kind of like your thumbprint, the way you do magic is different from everyone else. Granted, almost everybody can cast a fireball, but they're going to all do it a slightly different way. For example, one mage may need to charge the spell in their hands before they can fire it off, another may just have to call out "FIREBALL!", and one more might punch the air to have a fireball come from their fist.

Magic as applied to summoners: Summoners make their contracts by first creating a bond with one creature of that species. They then perform a blood ritual so that the summoner has a part of the animal's blood within them. From that point on, they can transform into that creature at any time, and summon an animal of that type at any time.

If you've finished reading, and now you're convinced, http://www.roleplaygateway.com/roleplay/the-city-of-fallen-angels/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RolePlayGateway/~3/E8Ywe7q2TQk/viewtopic.php

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UVa Students: More Apathy, Less Energy in 2012 Campaign

October 22, 2012

As the third presidential debate got underway Monday night, some University of Virginia students said they had no interest in watching, while others said they did want to hear what the candidates had to say about foreign policy.

The college vote was critical in 2008 when Barack Obama won a historic presidential election, but where did that energy go?

"Interest and excitement around this election is a little bit down versus 2008," said Philip Williamson, a third-year student at the University of Virginia School of Law.

"Some people maybe think that their vote's not going to count, that something's automatically going to happen," said Lindsay Sackellares, a second-year foreign affairs student at UVa.

At an August rally in Charlottesville geared toward college students, attendance to see the president speak was a few thousand less than his previous trip to town in 2010.

"I think from the liberal side, you don't want Romney, but Obama didn't do everything in the way he said he was going to, which is expected but still disappointing," said UVa. third-year foreign affairs student Katlyn Alley.

Monday's debate at Lynn University centered around foreign policy, a topic that might not resonate with many college students.

"It's an issue they should care about, but I'd venture to say probably not as high on their radar as things like, 'Am I going to have a job when I get out of school?' Williamson said.

"I don't think I'm going to be amazed by anything they say in the debate, but it's still probably the most important part," Alley said.

Students say the political vibes aren't as strong now as they were four years ago, but that's not to say there's no action on grounds.

"People are definitely very discussion-based here. It's not a lot of protest. It's not a lot of loud demonstration," Sackellares said. "People just want to engage and find out what other students think."

Students also point out that this is the first presidential election in which many students will be able to cast a vote, generating some excitement around the university.

Source: http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/UVa-Students-More-Apathy-Less-Energy-in-2012-Campaign-175340811.html

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Michelle Malkin ? Business owners stand up to Obama

In USA Today yesterday, a group of American entrepreneurs and business leaders spoke out in a full-page, open letter to President Obama and to their fellow citizens.

The full text is reprinted below. The signatories are here. As Mitt Romney has told voters repeatedly during the debates and on the campaign trail, we don?t have to settle. Do the right thing!

In a campaign season marked by new lows in polarizing rhetoric, some of the most divisive has originated from the President and his allies ? and has been aimed at successful people in the business sector.

These attacks are not getting us anywhere. They are really just political tricks to distract from the President?s own policy failures.

Consider for instance what the President hasn?t said. He has no solution for the staggering $16 trillion debt the nation carries ? a burden his policies increase minute by minute. He won?t explain why the stimulus spending hasn?t produced the jobs recovery he predicted. His party has failed to produce a budget in nearly four years. He has no answer for investors who need fiscal stability before they can put money at risk.

Instead, his Administration has increased regulations on virtually every sector of the economy while the President maligns business achievement in his campaign stump speeches.

American free enterprise is not the problem. Free enterprise is the essence of opportunity. It employs tens of millions, generates tax revenue, and pays healthcare benefits for millions of families. It is the engine that drives new industries, products, services, and innovation.

So when the President and his aides pit Americans against one another, it is not only misguided, it is irresponsible. Americans deserve solutions, not political ploys.

Fair-minded people can differ on those solutions. But the President seems oblivious to the fact that dynamic, productive job growth comes not from government spending, but from the private sector.

How do we know? Our entire careers have been dedicated to growing businesses and creating jobs. That entrepreneurial spirit is where America?s real strength is found. The solution must come from encouraging individual initiative and rewarding innovation. It?s about teaching someone to fish, not giving fish away by the billions as this Administration thinks.

Before you vote on Election Day, think carefully about what kind of country we are creating for ourselves and coming generations. Will it be a country that demeans job-creating business owners by saying, ?You didn?t build that??

Or will it be a country that protects free enterprise and allows everyone to pursue their highest aspirations?

~ For the latest breaking news, be sure to join Michelle's e-mail list ~

Source: http://michellemalkin.com/2012/10/23/business-owners-stand-up-to-obama/

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BBC has questions to answer over Savile scandal: Cameron

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